Americans Agree: Concealed Carry Works

by
posted on October 21, 2015
gsagi2015_fs-1.jpg (3)
Results from Gallup’s annual crime poll, conducted this month, indicate the majority of people understand a gun in a trained, lawful citizen’s hands makes the world a safer place.

The poll sampled more than 1,000 people in all 50 states who are at least 18 years old. Fifty-six percent responded “safer” when asked, “Suppose more Americans were allowed to carry concealed weapons if they passed a criminal background check and training course. If more Americans carried concealed weapons, would the United States be safer or less safe?”

The number has to come as a shock to much of the mainstream media, which shies away from covering incidents in which a permit holder stops a felon. News of people willing to take charge of their well-being until authorities arrive spreads fast, though. We’ve already covered three of those criminal encounters this month, but another one is too awesome to ignore. A carjacker tried to take a car with children inside, but he didn’t expect someone with a carry permit to intervene and hold him at gunpoint until law enforcement arrived.

Gallup’s results also include a demographic breakdown. Sixty-two percent of men responded “safer” to the question, as did half of the women respondents. Forty-five percent of the females said “less safe.”

When broken down by age, it’s interesting to note the younger generation feels most strongly about the effectiveness of concealed carry. For the group between 18 and 29, inclusive, 66 percent—the study’s highest approval rating—responded “safer.” So much for the rumor that gun ownership and enthusiasm is waning.

Latest

heavy machine gun crew with DShK on tripod pointing in air above trees
heavy machine gun crew with DShK on tripod pointing in air above trees

Red Fifty: The Soviet 12.7 mm DShK Heavy Machine Gun

While the Browning .50-cal. M2 machine gun has been unequaled for more than a century, John Moses Browning’s genius design has had one significant 12.7 mm competitor: the Soviet DShK.

Support The NRA Youth Education Summit (YES) On Giving Tuesday

With more than 1,200 students having graduated from the program and over $700,000 in scholarships awarded since 1996, NRA's YES is an immersive leadership program for high school students eager to learn about the foundations of our nation, the importance of civic engagement and the role of the Second Amendment.

Rifleman Review: Remington 360 Buckhammer

Remington Ammunition's 360 Buckhammer is a straight-wall hunting cartridge that's designed to give deer hunters an ideal round for their Midwestern hunt.

New For 2025: EAA Girsan Witness2311 Brat, Match and MatchX

European American Armory Corp. (EAA) introduced an affordable variation of the double-stack 1911 design with their Girsan Witness2311 in 2023, continually adding additional chamberings and slide length options. New for 2025, the company is adding three new versions of the Witness2311 with the Match, MatchX and Brat models.

Review: Citadel Trakr

At less than 4 lbs., this repeating rifle is easy on the back while also being extraordinarily easy on the budget.

Freedom Munitions To Move Ammo Component Production To Idaho

Freedom Munitions has announced it will be consolidating its projectile component production from X-Treme Bullets out of Nevada into its Lewiston, Idaho, facilities.

Interests



Get the best of American Rifleman delivered to your inbox.